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Sven and the art of racial tolerance

SCHOOLCHILDREN will be taught about the cultural significance of the England football manager Sven-Goran Eriksson and the achievements of the soul singer Craig David under government plans for a new anti-racist curriculum.

The newsreader Sir Trevor McDonald, the comedian Lenny Henry and the England rugby union star Jason Robinson are among prominent black people whose careers will be discussed in classrooms around the country.

The initiative, launched last week by the Qualifications and Curriculum Authority and titled Respect for All, is aimed at preventing children from developing racist views and encouraging them to develop a pride in multicultural Britain.

Critics say the scheme is little more than an exercise in political correctness and the money would be better spent on teaching basic skills.

Respect for All offers dozens of plans for anti-racist lessons across every curriculum subject. Even subjects such as maths, science and physical education will be used to